January 20 , 2021 NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA PROGRAM PROPOSAL
Board of Directors
Tom Michaud Chair Sunrise Opportunities
Kay Kimball Vice Chair University of Maine System
Lucas Morris Treasurer Machias Savings Bank
Scott Beal Woodland Pulp
Elizabeth Neptune Neptune Advantage
Mike Sansing Bar Harbor Foods
Dan Qualls University of Maine at Machias
William Cody Calais Regional Hospital
Susan Mingo Washington County Community College
Brian Frutchey The By “ US ” Company
Ardis Brown Town of Danforth
Ex-Officio
Betsy Fitzgerald Secretary Washington County Commissioners
Representative Will Tuell Washington County Legislative Delegation
FROM : Sunrise County Economic Council ; Charles Rudelitch , Executive Director TO : Wabanaki Tribal Chiefs Chief William Nicholas , Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township Chief Maggie Dana , Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik Chief Peter Paul , Aroostook Band of Micmac Chief Clarissa Sabattis , Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Chief Kirk C . Francis , Penobscot Nation
Dear Tribal Chiefs ,
I am writing to you from Sunrise County Economic Council . We are applying to the Federal Government to designate the area between the Penobscot and St . Croix Rivers as a National Heritage Area . This designation would identify the significant contributions of our unique regional history and culture . It would also bring funds for planning and development of heritagerelated projects to our region . The National Heritage Area ( NHA ) is a federal program managed by the National Park Service and funded by the Department of the Interior . The program encourages communities to collaboratively plan a future where our history and the current state of affairs can educate and engage local residents , youth and visitors to the region . A key goal of the NHA program is to help citizens strengthen local pride in place and stewardship of our natural and cultural heritage .
A group of regional representatives are conducting a National Heritage Area Feasibility Study to submit to Congress in the April 2021 . The Feasibility Study outlines how our human relationship with the natural world has shaped both our culture and the landscape and how our regional heritage contributes to national heritage . In general , the Feasibility Study describes our early histories , arts & culture , traditional uses of natural resources , and our adaptations to a changing landscape .
As the first inhabitants of this region , your story is critical to tell . Our working group is looking for Tribal collaboration and input as we move ahead with this application . Specifically , we think it important for the Tribal voice to be heard when talking about the Wabanaki people and culture from “ time immemorial ” up to the present . Other stories that need to be told include the part the Wabanaki Tribes played in the American Revolution and the importance of the travel routes that link the interior with the coastline .
Main Office : 7 Ames Way , Machias , ME 04654 * Calais Office : 1 College Drive , Room 51 , Calais , ME 04619 Tel : 207.255.0983 * Fax : 207.255.4987 * www . sunrisecounty . org
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